Heavyweight contender Shane Cameron will have the biggest bout of his career on October 3rd in Hamilton, New Zealand when he steps in the ring with one of the best punchers in the world and fellow countryman David Tua. Shane talks to Fightnews and tells of his preparation, about his sparring sessions with Tua in 2002, who his toughest fight was and also why the TAB betting agency has got it wrong by making Tua favorite to win.

Has your preparation been going well? What sparring partners have you had for the David Tua fight? Is your hand that was recently operated on 100%?

Preparation is going very well. I’m in very good shape and we’re only early on in the camp. We have 3 sparring partners: Kelvin Davis, who is the same height as Tua and very explosive; Chauncy Welliver, who we have used for previous fights, he is very durable and can adapt to any style that is required; Esse Telepapa – a local heavy weight, again very durable and skillful. The hand is 100%.

You have been active and your win over Terry Smith was regarded as one of the best heavyweight contests ever in New Zealand. David Tua has been out of the ring since 2007. Does this give you a big edge on fight night?

Yeah, it does give me an edge because I’ve remained fit and active and I have the skills to take care of what ever he is going to bring on the night.

You were outstanding amateur heavyweight and you were a regular sparring partner to Tua during that time and also when you had your early professional bouts in the USA. Please tell me about those sparring sessions.. Will his power be a problem for you?

I sparred Tua in 2002 after my first professional fight. We only had three sparring sessions together. They weren’t very active rounds, but it was a good opportunity for me to get a few rounds in with an experienced fighter. There is no question that David is renowned for his punching ability, but that certainly doesn’t worry me. I feel I’m younger, faster, and stronger. As for my record I have 20 knock outs out of my 24 fights so I don’t exactly punch soft!

Who do you regard as your toughest opponents?

My toughest fight so far was against Friday Ahunanya, that being my first and only defeat as a professional. The hardest part was going into the 12th round up on points but getting stopped due to excessive blood in the eyes. Since then I have had an operation to help with the cuts along the brow line.

The TAB betting has Tua as the favorite. Have they got it wrong?

I don’t care about the odds at the TAB, in my mind I’m the favorite!

You are world rated with the IBF and WBO. Will you be ready to challenge Wladimir Klitschko after the Tua fight?

Yes, definitely. I would love to fight Wladimir as he is the man to beat, currently ranked the best heavyweight in the world. So if you want to be the best you have to fight the best.

You have a great relationship with your manager, Ken Reinsfield, who is also your good friend. When did you become friends?

I met Ken in 2002 when I turned pro. He trained me for my first professional fight. We have a good honest relationship and there are no hidden agendas and we don’t make any decisions without mutual agreement